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Rose Rises At Ben Geren Park

(Pictured Above) Rose, George, and Wesley smile before the start of the Ft. Smith 5K.

Spotted in the plush green fields of Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith, a red Tiger Rose stood tall. 

Mansfield cross country runner Megan Rose finished first place in the small school standings at the Fort Smith Invitational XC Meet on Saturday morning.

Rose, Mansfield’s most decorated senior long distance runner, dominated the class 1A-4A division. The 3-time all-star crushed the nearest small school competitor by 3 minutes and 34 seconds.

The winning time for Rose was 23:13.1. The measurement looms large as it was only 10 seconds slower than her season ending state finals run from a year ago.

“We are certainly exciting to see Megan begin her senior year close to where she left off last season,” said Mansfield mentor John Mackey. “She puts in the time and deserves the honor. It was a very solid outing for the first meet of the season.”

Classes 5A-7A also ran in the same 5K race as the lower divisions. However, the scoring was calculated separately. When figuring in the larger school finishes, Rose was fourth overall in the 59 person race.

Only two players from Van Buren and a Greenwood Bulldog ran faster times than the Mansfield product.

Lady Tigers Corrina Wesley and Jessica George had good days as well. The senior and sophomore finished fourth and tenth respectively in the smaller divisional standings. Because of their placements in the top-ten, all three MHS runners walked away with medals.

“With those three top-ten times we would have been in line for a first place trophy,” commented Mackey. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have the necessary five finishers to compete for the title.”

Mansfield newcomer Natalie Brewer was taking the ACT Test. Sophomore sensation Lennon Woods was home resting a sore lower leg possibly the result of shin splints. Senior Bree George was obligated to work a job as part of her high school JAG class. Finally, tenth grader Addison Goetz remained idle as she just recently was added to the roster.

Tigers Devon Pyles and Joris Felius await the start of the high school 5K at Ben Geren Park.

In the high school men’s race, Tigers Devon Pyles and Joris Felius finished in 16th and 18th place respectively. 

There were 50 small school runners and 111 total men in the 5K competition.

Pyles averaged 6:37 per mile pace for an overall time of 20:32. Felius, an exchange student running in his first American distance race, clocked in at 20:51.3.

Waldron Routs Cedarville for Homecoming 2017

Artilcle by Konnor McKay | Photos by Sandy Tull
Homecoming 2017 went well for the Waldron Bulldogs, after last weeks win over Mansfield. Waldron kept the momentum going!
On the first play from scrimmage, Waldron’s Trey Williams scores with a 73 yard touchdown, making the score 7-0. Cedarville couldn’t get anything going on offense due to a tackle in the back field by Matthew Poor, added by another backfield tackle by Dillon Pickens.
On 4th down, Cedarville attempted to punt the football but after fumbling the snap, and running it, Waldron’s Mason Ford comes up with a huge hit behind the line of scrimmage to turn the ball back to the Waldron offense. Just a few plays later, Waldron’s Levi Franklin scores from 3 yards out making the score 14-0 , with just under 3 minutes into the game. Cedarville again can’t seem to get any offense rolling.
After being held yet again to 4th down, the Pirates attempted to convert on fourth down but was met at the line of scrimmage by Waldron’s Joel Cagle. It didn’t take long for Waldron’s offense to get right back to work, Trey Williams yet again on a run play scores for a 33 yard touchdown to wrap up the first quarters scoring. It was all Waldron the first quarter, scoring an impressive 21 points and holding Cedarville to 0.
Not long into the second quarter, 15 seconds to be exact, Waldron’s Trey Williams again puts another score on the board for the Bulldogs, making the score 27-0 just into the second quarter.
From this point on, it was all defense from both sides of the ball. No more scoring was present in the second quarter, in fact not another point was added until midway through the second half of play. Waldron made a big sack in the Pirates end-zone for a safety making the score 29-0.
Waldron goes on to defeat Cedarville and starts the 2017 season off 2-0! Waldron will have their hands full this coming Friday night, traveling to play the Bearcats from Mena. They have also started off to an impressive 2-0 season defeating a good Hot-Springs, and De-Queen team. Mena is expected to be a contender in their tough 4-7A conference including teams such as Nashville, Ashdown, and Arkadelphia.

Mansfield Middle School Students of the Month – September

The Mansfield Middle School has been tremendously blessed with outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Instead of presenting a group of students of the month, we will attempt to select two students each week from different grades to highlight their abilities and educational success.
6th Grade students of the month for September is Aly McClain and Turner Wright.
Both students were nominated by their teachers for outstanding qualities they display by being positive leaders and helpful students and peers. Aly and Turner are both known by their peers at hardworking students with continuous growth. Turner is known for his quiet demeanor and positive attitude and work ethic he exhibits all day. Aly emulates those same qualities and continuous to display academic and personal growth as a positive leader. Both students are continuing to work hard at their academics and we hope will continue to grow as positive students at Mansfield Middle School.
Here are some key facts that Aly and Tuner would like to share:
Turner Wright:  Favorite Subject Science                          Aly McClain: Favorite subject is Social Studies
Hobby: Football, fishing, and hunting                                Hobby: Reading and playing with cats
Funniest School Memory: Slipped at recess last year       Funniest School Memory: Anytime I’m with my friends
Favorite Movie:  Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 2                     Favorite Movie: Beauty of the Beast or Aristocats
Embarrassing Moment: Slipped on marker in the hall       Embarrassing Moment: I trip so much it’s hard to say
Happiest Moment: When I make a tackle in football         Happiest Moment: Anytime I make someone smile.
Favorite Book: The 39 Clues Series                                  Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Favorite Food:   Cheeseburger                                          Favorite Food: Pasta
Future Aspirations: College Football Player                      Future Aspirations: Make more people smile.
Favorite Color:                                                                   Favorite Color: Yellow
Congratulations to Turner and Aly and their parents for having such great young students. Thanks for such great students from Mansfield Middle School.

Student Section ROCKS!

Photos courtesy of Tiffany Woolbright
In recent week’s, the pulse of the community has been centered on bringing back the pride in Mansfield, and within the sports, and that has a lot to do with our students.
Mansfield Alumni, and Tiger Mom, Tiffany Woolbright realized that the “student section” was all but history in the stands at Mansfield football games. Her, and our own Ali Bryant, along with Dana Griffin, Amy Boyd who are also alumni, and Tiger Mom’s with support from Simple Simon’s, and the Booster Club said that it was time to bring back the Student Section.
During Friday nights game, the Student Section was alive and well. Bringing back memories of how it was done years ago, it looked and sounded amazing. The kids went to work, and supported their beloved Tigers.
The same can be said for those who go to support their Lady Volleyball teams at home. It’s a rowdy crowd, that only needs to get louder, and bigger. But ultimately, it’s up to the kids who want to participate. Where ya’ at Tiger students?

Tiffany Woolbright (Left) congratulates McKenzie Griffin (Right) for winning the Most Spirited Student. GREAT JOB, McKenzie!

Fabri Willsey painted faces to get the Tigers fired up! Thanks Fabri!

Fisher Willsey (Left), and Tyler Woolbright (Right) were in GO MODE on Friday night. Thanks boys!

 
 

Tiger’s Grabbed by the Tail!

In Friday nights contest against the Greenland Pirates, the Tigers took the field composed and ready for battle. The fans were rocking the stands, and the band played. It was a good night for football.
However, the referee’s and decision making abilities ultimately took control of this game which played a HUGE part in the final score. Quickly after the Tiger’s scored, the flags began to hit the air, and the whistles started to blow. A recipe for disaster.
The Greenland Pirates won the game with a final score of 32-7, but these numbers don’t show the heart of the Tiger’s and their efforts to play against the odds.
Jaicy Griffin was ejected from the game based on allegedly “targeting”. Click HERE to read more on that topic.
“Really disappointed in the outcome of the game. A few things didn’t go our way early in the first quarter that were out of our control and we played like the young team that we are. Greenland is well coached and played hard on both sides of the ball.The offense has to get more consistent, that should come with gained experience. Our defense is flying around and tackling much better than in the past, but we must continue to limit big plays in the air and on the ground. Effort and energy were there, but we have to mature quickly as a whole and push this thing to the next level.Thanks to the Mansfield community and students for packing the stadium, these guys deserve that and I hope we continue to have great crowds.”Head Coach Craig Bentley
Blayne Bryant (Sophomore) 12 Tackles
Hunter Wilsey (Junior) 90yds Offense, 2 Tackles
Tyler Holmes (Sophomore) 78yds Offense, 2 Tackles,
Patrick Koenig (Senior) 2 Tackles

Congratulations to #19 Blayne Bryant (overall), #3 Hunter Willsey (offensive), #7 Tyler Holmes (defensive) and #35 Patrick Koenig (special teams) for being selected the Mansfield Football Players of the Game.

We’d like to say Thank you to the Tiger Fans, and Students for being “LOUD & PROUD!”

 

Flags, and Whistles… oh my!

Traditionally, you shouldn’t place blame, or the overall measure of a game based on the referee’s decision’s (or lack thereof), but it seemed the Tigers couldn’t catch a break in Friday nights contest against the Greenland Pirates, due to the yellow flags, and whistles.
Contrary to belief, the referee’s decisions play a vital factor in the momentum of each game. Good, or bad.
Coming into the game, the Mansfield Tiger’s had momentum, pride, and an encouraging demeanor which was evident up until the first flag, then the second, and the 15th. You could see the momentum change and the whistles making an impact on the Tiger’s push through the first two series.
Jaicy Griffin was the first casualty. Griffin was called for targeting which depending on your vantage point, a set of eyes could clearly see it was a bad call. Griffin was ejected from the game, which the penalty ultimately set up a Pirates score.
Fans questioned the referee’s eyesight when they missed a Pirate “head butting” and taunting a Tiger who was attempting to get up from a tackle. No flag, and a blind eye from the ref’s.
Brennan James was questioned for targeting late in the game when he attempted to tackle a Pirate with assistance from his teammates. James was thought to be ejected from the game, but was not.
As of publishing time, we have been told that the Griffin’s ejection was petitioned, and denied. Griffin will be able to take the field in the 2nd quarter this week.

Mansfield Middle School Teacher Spotlight – Renee Crelia

Article by Mansfield Middle School Principal, Floyd Fisher
At Mansfield Middle School, we have finished up our third great week of school. Students and teacher are both excited for the three day weekend, but will be just as excited to return from the three day break. After another tremendous week with our Middle School students, we are ready to introduce our community to another shining Middle School Teacher.
This week we would like to take a few moments and introduce our community to Mrs. Renee Crelia.
Mrs. Crelia is a graduated of Mansfield High School and class Valedictorian. Mrs. Crelia is literacy specialist at Mansfield Middle School working with a variety of students to foster growth and achievement in literacy skills. Mrs. Crelia has been married to her husband Justus Crelia for one year. Mrs. Crelia is an avid reader that enjoys baking a variety of desserts. Mrs. Crelia remembers the high school at Mansfield being a driving factor to encourage her to pursue her teaching degree and enter college.
Mrs. Crelia has multiple high school teachers that inspired her to continue her education and growth has a young person. Mrs. Crelia is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University. Mrs. Crelia is spending time teaching students about Shakespeare and a variety of other books. Mrs. Crelia has already achieved a following of students that sing her praises:
7th Grade Student Gage Rogers, “She is a really cook teacher!”
8th Grade Student Josh York, “She is a really good literacy teacher and she is fun.”
7th Grade Student John Broadaway, “Mrs. Crelia is a really nice teacher. She helps us with our work, bell work, and she is really nice.
6th Grade Student Camron Griffin, “She is helpful, kind, and smart.”
7th Grade Student Taylen Berry, “She is really nice and she helps you whenever you need help.”
We at Mansfield Middle School would like to thank Mrs. Crelia for her time and care for our students at Mansfield Middle School. We also want to thank our tremendous students and parents for all of their support to help us grow lifelong learners at MMS.

5th Grade MMS Students of the Month – September

The Mansfield Middle School has been tremendously blessed with outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Instead of presenting a group of students of the month, we will attempt to select two students each week from different grades to highlight their abilities and educational success.
5th Grade students of the month for September is Leland Powell and Shayanne Cicherski. Both students were nominated by their teachers for outstanding qualities they display by being positive leaders and helpful students and peers. Leland has been seen pushing in chairs in the cafeteria, holding the door for his peers, picking up trash around campus, and walking the halls with a smiling face. Shayanne has possessed those same leadership qualities or going above and beyond. Shayanne is always offering to help teachers and her peers daily. Both students are continued to work hard at that academics and we hope will continue to grow and positive students at Mansfield Middle School.
Here are some key facts that Leland and Shayanne would like to share:
Leland Powell                                                     Shayanne Cicherski
Favorite subject is science                                   Favorite subject is science
Hobby: Loves jumping on the trampoline             Hobby: Watching Seattle Seahawks football
Favorite thing about school: Loves Learning       Favorite thing about school: Loves Learning
Favorite Movie: Mortal Kombat                            Favorite Movie: Ouija
Embarrassing Moment: Dancing at Pep rally      Embarrassing Moment: Dancing at pep rally
Best Memory: Playing with his brother                Best Memory: Brother being born
Favorite Book: Any Basketball Book                   Favorite Book: Any Football Book
Favorite Food: Pepperoni Pizza                          Favorite Food: Pizza
Dream: Professional Basketball Player               Dream: Professional Soccer Player
Congratulations to Leland and Shayanne and their parents for having such great young students. Thanks for such great students from Mansfield Middle School.

#GTrocks

When Mansfield Gifted & Talented teacher, Tracy Dedmon does something, you can rest assure it’s interactive, involves “outside the box” thinking, and a passion for community.
Her latest activity has included words, definitions, her class and rocks. Yes, Rocks.
“I wanted to create something that got people involved, as well as a learning experience that the students could extend their vocabulary” stated Dedmon.
Her class has painted rocks with words and their definitions, which they have placed in, and around the town of Mansfield for you to find. When you do, take a picture of them, using the hashtag #GTROCKS, and post them to our facebook wall, or our Instagram account, showing yourself, and the rock.
We look forward to seeing the images, and supporting the Mansfield Elementary G&T students.
Facebook – Facebook.com/TheResidentPress
Instagram – instagram/ResidentPress

Students, Bring the NOISE!

So you say you want a winning tradition, or you might even want to “bring back the pride.” Students, this is your wake-up call. Make yourself heard, and be a part of one of the greatest traditions to high school sports events. It’s memories in the making, and it’s a strong element to your school’s history. We dare you to BRING IT!
Most of youth today can’t understand (or remember) the fan fare of the student section during the 80’s, or 90’s. It was amazing. You had at least one student who was the hype man, or hype girl that encouraged the student section to get rowdy during the moments when the team needed a “pick me up.” Or, the times when it was time to GET LOUD, and GET PROUD!

Now, it’s just silent. “crickets”

It seems everyone wants a winning tradition, but the voices are silent in the stands. “I consider myself a soft voiced person, and it’s sad when I’m the loudest one in the bleachers” stated a parent after the Mansfield-Waldron game.

Where is the student section?

It wasn’t that long ago when the bleachers had an area used solely for students who made up a population of enthused students with painted faces, bells, pom-poms, crazy attire, etc. and made their voices heard to encourage their sports team, and to assist the cheerleaders. WHERE HAVE YOU GONE?
This section of wild and crazy kids were the voice of the Mansfield Student body. Working within themselves, or with the band, they could be heard from any angle. Where are you now????
To bring back this tradition, we’d like to encourage you, maybe even DARE you to be the loudest you can be. Show your pride, and let your voice ROAR!

This Friday night (9/8/17), there will be a student section!

Some of the team parents are going to organize, section off and decorate an area just for the students. We hope to see it full of fun and school spirit. In the 4th quarter, our most spirited student in the section will be announced and will receive a prize so join in on the fun and bring this tradition back!

Let’s hear you BRING IT, students!